Authorities assure that the spill from the Sabaneta dam remains under control and without risk to the population

Santo Domingo.- Authorities confirmed that the current discharge from the Sabaneta dam, in San Juan, is proceeding normally and does not pose any danger to nearby communities. The announcement was made within the framework of the constant monitoring of the effects of Tropical Storm Melissa, where it was highlighted that all the country’s dams are operating under control. The Dam and Reservoir Operations Committee (COPRE) continues in permanent session, monitoring the behavior of national water systems.

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During a meeting headed by the administrator of EGEHID, engineer Rafael Salazar, and the director of INDRHI, engineer Olmedo Caba, it was explained that the Sabaneta spill responds to normal conditions within the cyclonic season.

“We are talking about discharges of between 12 and 13 cubic meters per second, perfectly manageable,” both officials pointed out.

They also highlighted that the current floods are being used positively, as the spilled water flows towards the Yaque del Sur River and is contained by the Monte Grande dam, which has accumulated more than 40 million cubic meters of water in recent weeks. That retention, they indicated, prevents flooding in communities of Bahoruco and Barahona, in addition to strengthening the supply of drinking water and agricultural irrigation. Engineer Rafael Salazar assured that there is no cause for concern, emphasizing that “everything is under control” and that the water channels are safely managed by the responsible organizations. The meeting was also attended by engineers Máximo Gómez and Martín Ramírez, from EGEHID, along with representatives from COPRE, INDOMET, Ministry of Agriculture and INAPA.